Forest Officials take a Preventative Approach to Campfire Safety
JOHN DAY, PENDLETON, and BAKER CITY, OREGON – Forest
officials for the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests
announce seasonal safety regulations for building campfires when recreating on
the three national forests.
Campfires will continue to be the centerpiece of family
campsites across the three national forests; however beginning June 1, when
building a campfire, visitors are required to build their campfire in a fire
pit surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings, in areas cleared of all
flammable material within a three-foot radius from the edge of the pit and free
of overhanging material. A shovel and one gallon of water are required to be in
your possession while building and tending campfires. These requirements also apply to the use of
charcoal briquettes.
Forest managers understand campfires are an important part of the outdoor
camping experience. “The intent is to allow campfire use while promoting
safe campfire building techniques that, in the long run, will protect lives,
property, and our natural landscapes,” said Brian Goff, Umatilla Fire
Management Officer.
The seasonal regulation does not prohibit the use of campfires,
when conditions permit; it only designates proper conditions for safe
campfires. The June 1 date for campfire safety regulations in dispersed and
developed campsites is meant to encourage campfire safety before fire season
comes full-swing.
“There’s a long history of wildfire in the Blue Mountains and we
do not expect that to change. This
summer will be particularly challenging,” added Goff. Though lightning is
the number one cause of wildfires in this area, human-caused wildfires are
preventable, unpredictable and can occur anywhere with no warning.
“Historically, the public has practiced safe campfire techniques
and it is much appreciated,” shared Bret Ruby, Wallowa-Whitman Fire Management
Officer. “However, the potential for large human-caused wildfires still
exists,” added Ruby.
Seasonal campfire regulations are in effect June 1 through
October 31, unless more restrictive measures are warranted. During times of high or
extreme fire danger, forests will implement additional Public Use Restrictions,
also known as PURs, which will further restrict the use of campfires,
chainsaws, smoking, and travel. PURs will be implemented in phases, based
on increased fire danger, hot and dry weather conditions, and concern for
public safety. “We get very busy at this time of year dealing with the
numerous lightning caused fires, so preventing the added workload from human
caused wildfires is our ultimate goal,”
said Roy Walker, Malheur Fire Management Officer.
Forest officials recommend the following campfire safety
precautions:
·
Always abide by local campfire laws.
·
Only adults should build and maintain campfires.
·
Find a shady spot away from dry logs, overhanging branches,
bushes, needles, or leaves.
·
Use existing fire-rings where it is safe to do so. Don’t build
fire-rings in roads.
·
Keep campfire rings small and use wood no bigger than the ring.
·
Keep tents and other burnable materials away from the fire.
·
Never leave a campfire unattended. Those leaving campfires
unattended can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
·
Drown the campfire with water and stir charred material.
·
When leaving, make sure your fire is DEAD OUT. Very carefully
feel all sticks and charred remains. Make sure no roots are smoldering. If it's
too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
For more information on public use restrictions, contact your
local Forest Service office or visit our websites:
Umatilla National Forest:
·
Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663
·
Twitter: @UmatillaNF
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest:
·
Information Hotlines: Baker City (541) 523-1234; La Grande (541)
962-8679; Joseph (541) 426-5552
·
Twitter: @WallowaWhitman
Malheur National Forest:
·
Information Hotline: John Day (541) 575-3000
·
Twitter: @MalheurNF
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